With the end of the Fall ’22 semester approaching, graduating students are preparing for the next steps in their careers. For many, this includes putting in applications for master’s programs.
SNHU has a select number of offerings for on-campus programs. Degrees students can earn include a Master of Science (MS), a Master of Education (MEd), a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or a Master of Arts (MA). Additionally, students have over 100 online Master’s programs to select from, which can be found at https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/masters.
During the application process, there are several factors that play into acceptance, according to the Assistant Director in the Office of Graduate and Transfer Admission, Ron Pedro. Students looking to earn their MEd must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in their undergraduate program, provide their transcript and resume, and go through an interviewing process. While a background in education is not required, it is recommended to have some experience with education and children.
The clinical MEd in elementary education, special education, early childhood education, and early childhood special education is a “sixteen-month dual certification program, which means students will come out of the program being certified in an area of special ed as well as either elementary or early childhood,” said Pedro. “The tuition cost is $700 a credit, but what is really nice is that in the elementary and general special education (SPED) program, they are getting $1000 monthly stipends that will really help them as they go along.”
Meanwhile, there are other paths students can take; Julio Betar (’22), a Resident Assistant in Kingston Hall, is going for his MS in Business Analytics.
“I just started my master’s this fall, and I started online because I’m graduating in a year…this semester I’m doing four classes. I did one in the first term and three throughout this semester,” said Betar. “I’m enjoying it a lot. It’s definitely challenging, but I think that’s what all of us want. There’s no point in taking a class or pursuing your master’s if you’re not willing to challenge yourself.”
Betar also described that, while the workload is more difficult, the course schedule is more flexible than that of an undergraduate student, who commonly takes five to six classes per semester.
Being a graduate student on campus also allows for participation that an undergraduate student would have. “Playing football [soccer] this semester, too, and getting a new job as an RA, it’s very demanding but I’m definitely glad,” said Betar.
Other graduate students, such as Xander Williams (’22), Kingston RA and Brewed Awakening Cafe Manager, also take campus courses and remain active on campus.
“I did my undergrad in a three-year bachelor’s program here. I did that in business administration and I felt that I wanted to continue my education a little bit further before going out full-time, and so since I did my undergrad in three years, I figured why not take what would’ve been a typical fourth year to complete my bachelor’s degree,” said Williams.
Williams, who is working toward his MBA with a concentration in Marketing, went on to explain why he returned to campus.
“I feel really connected to the campus community,” said Williams. “I’ve lived on campus the whole time I’ve been at SNHU, and so that was really important to me to maintain that sense of community. I also find that I typically learn better in person – online I also am able to succeed – but I really value the time with professors that do in-person instruction.”
Williams also offered advice for students looking to work toward their Master’s. “Time management is a skill to hone in on before starting your program. I would say look at your program evaluation and keep connected with your grad advisor; they’re all super helpful, they’re definitely here to help you,” said Williams.
As students continue their studies, Betar encourages them to enjoy every moment of college.
“Planning is good, but then not stressing about it, like it will come as it goes. Appreciating the time that we have in college with our friends, teammates, and everyone [else] because it’s fleeting,” said Betar. “Don’t let that stress you out because you got great things coming, especially with all the hard work you put in learning from college and applying yourself.”
